Facts

Some feel the wrath of Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's policy on conduct. These bad boys feel the wrath because if anyone embarrasses the Shield, they are potentially taking money away from the league (advertisers) and that's a no-no.

Most of the guys, however, get suspended for violating the league's policy on substances.

It seems the banned substance of choice this year is Adderall. We'll never know for sure because the NFL doesn't say what banned substance was involved when a player is busted. So even if a player says he took Adderall, it could actually be steroids.

Still, Adderall is a stimulant and is banned in the NFL without a prescription. It's big on college campuses because it helps the user to focus and stems fatigue.

That's why the primary usage of the drug is for patients who have attention deficit disorder.

Two players for the Tampa Bay Bucs — cornerbacks Eric Wright and Aqib Talib — admitted to using the drug. Wright said he did it for unnamed health reasons.

The thing is, why would anyone who needs the drug ever do it illegally? All that's needed is a doctor's note and they're clear.

Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said after Wright was suspended that he didn't think the Bucs had a problem with drugs. He said it was a league problem.

That same day Wright was suspended, New England's Jermaine Cunningham was suspended as well. Also that day, it was reported two Seattle cornerbacks were appealing a positive drug test.

Athletes are always trying to gain some kind of advantage. The career of an NFL player is notoriously short. Some players are willing to do anything to prolong that career, even if it affects them in the long term.

Why? Because the money is good, and once you leave the sport, it's not likely they are going to make that kind of money again.

So, when this Adderall faze passes, then what?

Chicago receiver Brandon Marshall last week said he's heard of players taking Viagra to gain an edge. I knew people used Viagra to score. I didn't know it was touchdowns.

<p>Every year, a dozen or so NFL players get suspended.</p><p>Some feel the wrath of Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's policy on conduct. These bad boys feel the wrath because if anyone embarrasses the Shield, they are potentially taking money away from the league (advertisers) and that's a no-no.</p><p>Most of the guys, however, get suspended for violating the league's policy on substances.</p><p>It seems the banned substance of choice this year is Adderall. We'll never know for sure because the NFL doesn't say what banned substance was involved when a player is busted. So even if a player says he took Adderall, it could actually be steroids.</p><p>Still, Adderall is a stimulant and is banned in the NFL without a prescription. It's big on college campuses because it helps the user to focus and stems fatigue.</p><p>That's why the primary usage of the drug is for patients who have attention deficit disorder.</p><p>Two players for the Tampa Bay Bucs — cornerbacks Eric Wright and Aqib Talib — admitted to using the drug. Wright said he did it for unnamed health reasons.</p><p>The thing is, why would anyone who needs the drug ever do it illegally? All that's needed is a doctor's note and they're clear.</p><p>Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said after Wright was suspended that he didn't think the Bucs had a problem with drugs. He said it was a league problem.</p><p>That same day Wright was suspended, New England's Jermaine Cunningham was suspended as well. Also that day, it was reported two Seattle cornerbacks were appealing a positive drug test.</p><p>Athletes are always trying to gain some kind of advantage. The career of an NFL player is notoriously short. Some players are willing to do anything to prolong that career, even if it affects them in the long term.</p><p>Why? Because the money is good, and once you leave the sport, it's not likely they are going to make that kind of money again.</p><p>So, when this Adderall faze passes, then what?</p><p>Chicago receiver Brandon Marshall last week said he's heard of players taking Viagra to gain an edge. I knew people used Viagra to score. I didn't know it was touchdowns.</p>